attempt

Everyday

1. To try to do something, especially something difficult. tree →
2. (noun) An act of trying. tree →
3. (noun) A try to do something in a sport or a record (a world record attempt). tree →
4. «An attempt on someone's life»: trying to kill someone. tree →

In the lessons

In exams, «attempt all questions» means try every question. In sport and maths, number of attempts versus successes (scored 6 goals in 10 attempts). In stories, characters attempt brave things. Phrases: «make an attempt», «at the first attempt», «attempt to», «in an attempt to».

Examples

• Attempt all the questions on the paper. tree →
• She passed her swimming test at the first attempt. tree →
• He scored 7 goals from 10 attempts. tree →
• The climbers attempted to reach the top. tree →
• In an attempt to win, she ran faster. tree →
• My first attempt at a cake was a disaster! tree →
• They made a world record attempt. tree →
• Do not attempt too much at once. tree →

Note

Formal for «try». «Attempt to do» or «attempt + noun». In maths: success rate = successes ÷ attempts (7 out of 10 attempts = 70%); failed attempts = attempts − successes.

In Jewish tradition

In exams, «attempt all questions» means try every question. In sport and maths, number of attempts versus successes (scored 6 goals in 10 attempts). In stories, characters attempt brave things. Phrases: «make an attempt», «at the first attempt», «attempt to», «in an attempt to».

Examples

• But every attempt to unfold this mystery has hitherto been unsuccessful". (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →

Note

Formal for «try». «Attempt to do» or «attempt + noun». In maths: success rate = successes ÷ attempts (7 out of 10 attempts = 70%); failed attempts = attempts − successes.